The two teams featured in the 2012 Rose Bowl both lost in a BCS Bowl last season. They are two 11-2 college football teams. Wisconsin holds a 6-2 record in the Big Ten while Oregon comes from the Pac-12 with an 11-2 record.

Rose bowl started in 1902. It is being played at the Rose Bowl stadium since the early 1920s.

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association organizes the game and is dedicating the game in honor of all wounded military personnel. The Grand Marshal is J.R. Martinez, a military veteran and winner of season 13 Dancing with the Stars.